March 8 is International Women’s Day, a time to recognize the women whose leadership, vision and dedication drive our mission forward. At Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, our organization is powered by women who lead with purpose, compassion and an unwavering commitment to funding new, improved and less toxic treatments for pediatric cancer. 

This month, we are proud to spotlight a few of our female leaders who shape our work every day, inspire those around them and prove that strong leadership and heart go hand in hand. We asked them to open up about their journeys as women in the workplace and the perspectives that guide their leadership today.

Meet the Leaders:

Gayla Freeman: Chief Revenue Officer

Marissa Schwartz: Community Engagement Director

Colleen Margiloff: Cookie Programs and Special Projects Manager

Linda George: Donor Relations Manager

What’s one of the most important lessons you have learned throughout your career?

Gayla: Impact matters more than perfection. Early in my career, I felt pressure to have all the answers and get everything exactly right. Over time, I’ve learned that meaningful progress comes from showing up consistently, being open to learning and staying focused on the mission — especially in nonprofit work, where the stakes are deeply human. Trusting the process and the people around you ultimately leads to stronger outcomes.

Marissa: Growth comes from trusting yourself and being willing to learn along the way. There will be times when you fail and the weight of that failure feels heavy—but that’s okay. Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s part of it. What matters is how you respond, what you learn and how you move forward. Resilience, courage, and the willingness to keep showing up are what truly drive growth. As I often remind myself, ‘It’s okay to fail; what’s not okay is to stop trying.’

Colleen: Relationships are everything. Over the course of my career, I’ve learned that success rarely comes down to talent or hard work alone—it’s built on the trust, respect and connections you make. They turn colleagues into teammates, clients into advocates and mentors into lifelong guides. When people know they can count on you—when you show up consistently, listen thoughtfully and follow through—you build credibility. Investing in people and relationships create the support system that carries you through your personal and professional life.

Linda: The power of listening. Experience has taught me that not every opinion needs to be shared, and that restraint can be just as valuable as speaking up. True effectiveness comes from understanding the moment, reading the room and recognizing who holds influence in a given situation. By listening first, I’m better able to assess context, build trust and choose when my voice will add the most value rather than simply add noise.

Who is a woman you look up to, and what makes her an inspiration to you?

Gayla: I’ve been inspired by many women throughout my life, but Princess Diana has always stood out to me. She led with extraordinary compassion while also being courageous and unafraid to challenge norms in order to advocate for those who were often overlooked. Her ability to combine empathy with action, whether supporting patients, families, or marginalized communities, reshaped how the world viewed humanitarian leadership. That combination of heart, resilience, and purpose continues to inspire how I think about leadership in mission-driven work.

Marissa: One woman I truly look up to is Oprah Winfrey. She inspires me through her resilience, authenticity, and commitment to lifting others up. Oprah has built her career by using her voice with purpose—creating space for meaningful conversations, sharing stories that matter, and empowering people to believe in themselves. Her ability to lead with empathy while staying true to her values reminds me that impactful leadership isn’t just about success, but about influence, integrity, and creating opportunities for others to grow.

Colleen: My mom has always been an inspiration to me. When she was young, she dreamed of becoming a teacher, but her parents encouraged her to pursue nursing instead. After high school, she went to nursing school and took great pride in her work. As the profession began to evolve, she adapted right along with it—earning her associate degree, then her bachelor’s, and eventually her master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. Later, she realized she could still follow her original dream of teaching. So she went back to school once again and earned her doctorate, becoming a nursing professor. My dad used to joke that he was just waiting for her to get her JD and become a lawyer, too. Through every phase of life, she has shown me that you’re in charge of the life you want to build—with hard work, determination and the courage to keep evolving.

Linda: A woman I deeply look up to is Michelle Obama. She is an inspiration to me because she leads with intelligence, grace and authenticity, while remaining grounded in her values. Through her advocacy for education, health and equality, she has shown the power of using one’s platform to uplift others. What I admire most is her ability to navigate immense responsibility and public scrutiny with strength and empathy, proving that leadership rooted in integrity and compassion can create lasting impact.

How would you describe your approach to leadership, and what values guide your decision-making as a leader?

Gayla: My leadership style is collaborative and mission-focused. I believe the best results come from empowering others, listening thoughtfully and fostering an environment where people feel valued and trusted. Integrity, transparency and empathy guide my decision-making, along with a strong sense of responsibility to the families and children we ultimately serve. I try to lead with both purpose and practicality, always keeping our mission at the center of every decision.

Marissa: My approach to leadership is rooted in communication, collaboration and compassion. I prioritize clear communication by checking in with my team to ensure tasks are understood and breaking things down when needed. I value listening just as much as leading. Everyone brings a unique perspective and set of talents, and our best work happens when we collaborate and learn from one another. I believe in investing in people and culture, which is why I meet weekly with my team through one-on-one check-ins. These moments build trust, encourage growth and create space for open dialogue.

Colleen: My leadership philosophy centers on leading from the front and fostering an environment that is open to new ideas. In the nonprofit world, it’s essential to set the expectation that everyone contributes, regardless of task or title. I believe effective leadership also means being transparent about mistakes, welcoming feedback and continuously reflecting on how I can improve. One way I hold myself accountable is by always working through the stack of books next to my bed. Atomic Habits is a yearly read for me, and I’m currently making my way through The Art of Gathering, which has been especially meaningful as I focus on the community events that we have at Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

Linda: I would describe my approach to leadership as that of a servant leader. I lead by treating others with respect, listening first and focusing on how I can support my team’s success. I believe in trusting people to deliver, empowering them with the tools and autonomy they need and removing obstacles so they can perform at their best. These values guide my decision-making and help create a culture of accountability, collaboration and shared purpose.

What advice would you give to young women starting their careers?

Gayla: Trust yourself and don’t be afraid to take up space. Ask questions, advocate for your ideas and seek out mentors who challenge and support you. Careers are rarely linear and growth often comes from moments of uncertainty. Stay curious, remain resilient and remember that your voice and perspective are valuable — especially in leadership spaces where diverse experiences truly make a difference. 

Marissa: Communication is everything. Speak up and advocate for yourself. No idea is a bad idea. If you don’t understand something, ask questions. Seek out mentors who challenge and support you, and be open to learning from those around you. Remember, you don’t have to have everything figured out to grow or lead. Confidence is built over time through trust, curiosity and using your voice even when it feels uncomfortable.

Colleen: Find a mentor—it’s advice I gave my kids as they headed off to college, and it’s something I’ll continue to emphasize. While I may have plenty of ideas and opinions of my own, I’ve learned how important it is to seek guidance from people whose life experiences and perspectives are different from mine. There’s so much growth that comes from listening, learning and being open to someone else’s wisdom. Mentors offer not only advice, but clarity, encouragement and sometimes the honest feedback you didn’t know you needed. They say you become the five people you spend the most time with, which is why it’s so important to surround yourself with people you trust, respect and aspire to be like. 

Linda: Become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Early in my career, I learned the importance of identifying where my weaknesses lie and addressing them head-on, turning them into strengths over time. Growth doesn’t happen in a space of constant comfort — challenging yourself, taking risks and leaning into moments of uncertainty are what build confidence, resilience and new skills. In addition, surrounding yourself with people who view things differently will expand your perspective in ways you never imagined, helping you learn, adapt and grow faster.

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Careers are rarely linear, and failure is part of the process. Leadership is not about having every answer. It is about showing up with integrity, resilience and compassion. These values shape strong workplace cultures and drive real impact. When these skills are applied in service of our mission, they do more than advance careers. They help fuel progress for pediatric cancer research and bring hope to kids and families who need it most. 

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn to keep up with what we are working on, learn more about our impact and see how you can get involved. We regularly share updates, insights and opportunities, including internships for those looking to grow their skills while making a meaningful difference.